Feral hog hunting has gained in popularity as wild hogs have proliferated throughout the south and west and even into some northern and northeastern states.

Landowners often are glad to have these pests removed as they pose disease and property damage risks; here is some valuable information if you are interested in hunting them.

Population and Effects

One of the greatest issues with wild hogs is that they reproduce at a very high rate.  The more hogs are born each year, the more food they need to survive.  In parts of the country like Texas, hogs are so overpopulated and starved for food that you can often see their ribs from a distance.  High populations also cause the spread of disease at a higher rate.

As most of us know, hogs will eat just about anything.  They will devastate crops and also root their noses in the ground causing further damage. Most farmers want nothing more than to have the pests eradicated from the face of the earth.

Strategy

The hog hunting community is somewhat split on when to hunt.  Some hunters like springtime because there is less chance of disease in the animal.  Others prefer summer because hogs are more predictable.  Wild hogs cannot sweat, so they have to wallow in mud to cool down during hot months.  That means that they will visit water once or twice a day to cool down.  You can look for hog wallows in the summer and bet on hogs being close by.

For baiting you can use corn to attract hogs.  You are best to dig a pit and alternate layers of dirt and corn.  Then spread some around the area to bring the hogs in. They will start rooting around the pit area and stay there long enough for you to take a shot.

Understand that hogs are very intelligent animals. If they get spooked and feel they are in danger, the entire group will move to a different area and never come back.  Be sure not to let that happen.

Hog hunting is often desired by landowners where wild hogs are a problem; they destroy property, carry disease and can pose a danger to anything that makes it feel threatened.

In a pinch, say a survival situation, they are also a reasonably good food source, provided you make sure you cook them thoroughly.

To learn more about hunting feral hogs, check out Survival Life.